News Digest

Thailand beach murders: Suspect still on island, say police

Thai police investigating the brutal murders of two young British tourists are convinced their killer is still on the island. Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were found early on Monday among rocks on the holiday island of Koh Tao. Both had suffered severe head injuries, and a bloodstained garden hoe and their clothes were found nearby. Police have released grainy CCTV footage of what they describe as the “prime suspect” in the beach attack.

The head of the police told me he is convinced that whoever is responsible for this horrific attack is still on the island.

Sky News’ Jonathan Samuels, on Koh Tao (Turtle Island)

Police are at every port and quayside on the island and they are focusing on a man of Asian appearance who’s in the CCTV footage. according to Sky News. Because he looks quite distinctive, they don’t believe he will be able to get off the island. The footage shows what appears to be a topless Asian man who officers say was acting suspiciously as he left a beach party near the murder scene. Mr Miller, from Jersey, and Ms Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, are seen walking hand-in-hand after leaving a bar at around 1am. It was taken hours before their bodies were discovered semi-naked on Sairee beach. Thai police have questioned three people in connection with the killings.

This should not have happened in Thailand. It will affect our image in the eyes of international countries.

Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha